spindrift: “(more rarely spoondrift)usually refers to spray, particularly to the spray blown from cresting waves during a gale. This spray, which “drifts” in the direction of the gale, is one of the characteristics of a wind speed of 8 Beaufort and higher at sea.” (Wikipedia)

Called Spindrift because she was rescued from the sea after a shipwreck that killed both of her parents, the girl who lives with her grandfather in the apartment above his shop of magical curiosities has only one keepsake from her childhood. Spindrift has a clear glass ball that has always only been a plaything, a reminder that someone cared enough to set her adrift, wrap her in a blanket, and place the glass bauble beside her in the boat. Now, though, things are starting to change. A mysterious man is looking for a black orchid. Spindrift’s grandfather has begun to share with her the letters that her mother sent to him long ago. And the glass orb has become something more, something powerful, something magical.

Maybe you should quit here if you’re going to read the book because the rest of this post may include spoilers. Is it a spoiler to say that I was reminded of Gollum and the One Ring as I read about Spindrift and her black orchid? I liked the friendship between Spindrift and her two besties, Clemence and Max. I liked the loving relationship between Spindrift and her grandfather. The plot was logical and made sense, but it wasn’t completely predictable. And I especially liked the ending.

I read a book, The House of Months and Years, by Emma Trevayne last year, and I wasn’t too impressed. This one is much better, and I plan to recommend it to LOTR fans, N.D. Wilson fans, and others who like magical quest stories.

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This book may be nominated for a Cybils Award, but the views expressed here are strictly my own and do not reflect or determine the judging panel’s opinions.